BACKGROUND: Due to the novel reimbursement policies, hospitals face substantial conflicts regarding best patient care and optimal utilization of resources. In order to optimize patient treatment, a central patients admission (CPA) unit has been established. METHODS: All patients electively referred to the hospital were primarily treated by a medical specialist at the CPA unit. According to an appropriateness evaluation protocol established with the medical service of the health insurances of Bavaria ("MDK-Bayern"), patients were treated as inpatients or outpatients. The impact of this novel admission procedure was assessed for a period of 30 months. RESULTS: Within 30 months following establishment of the CPA unit, 10% of the patients were treated as outpatients, whereas 90% of referred patients were admitted as inpatients. Nonetheless, numbers of inpatients increased by 20.7% after 24 months compared to 12 months following establishment of the CPA unit with a substantial increase of patients referred by external medical specialists. In addition, there were no cases of inappropriate admission. CONCLUSION: The CPA unit is an ideal instrument for treating patients cross-sectorally as well as more effectively and economically advocating reorganization. Establishment of a CPA unit leads to greater satisfaction among patients, referring physicians, and medical staff.
BACKGROUND: Due to the novel reimbursement policies, hospitals face substantial conflicts regarding best patient care and optimal utilization of resources. In order to optimize patient treatment, a central patients admission (CPA) unit has been established. METHODS: All patients electively referred to the hospital were primarily treated by a medical specialist at the CPA unit. According to an appropriateness evaluation protocol established with the medical service of the health insurances of Bavaria ("MDK-Bayern"), patients were treated as inpatients or outpatients. The impact of this novel admission procedure was assessed for a period of 30 months. RESULTS: Within 30 months following establishment of the CPA unit, 10% of the patients were treated as outpatients, whereas 90% of referred patients were admitted as inpatients. Nonetheless, numbers of inpatients increased by 20.7% after 24 months compared to 12 months following establishment of the CPA unit with a substantial increase of patients referred by external medical specialists. In addition, there were no cases of inappropriate admission. CONCLUSION: The CPA unit is an ideal instrument for treating patients cross-sectorally as well as more effectively and economically advocating reorganization. Establishment of a CPA unit leads to greater satisfaction among patients, referring physicians, and medical staff.
Authors: W Fiori; H-J Lakomek; K Buscham; H Lehmann; W Liman; A-K Fuchs; J L Hülsemann; N Roeder Journal: Z Rheumatol Date: 2008-05 Impact factor: 1.372
Authors: S Schneeweiss; O Sangha; H Siebert; H Hebeisen; M Hübner; R Heinrich; M Wildner; J Witte Journal: Dtsch Med Wochenschr Date: 2000-07-28 Impact factor: 0.628
Authors: C Diederichs; K Klotmann; F W Schwartz Journal: Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz Date: 2008-05 Impact factor: 1.513